HC Deb 05 May 1932 vol 265 cc1258-9
10. Mr. LYONS

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will consider taking further powers to establish a censorship of posters, publications and literature relating to cinematograph films, silent and talking, for public exhibition?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Oliver Stanley)

I understand that the Consultative Committee which my right hon. Friend recently appointed in connection with the censorship of films proposes shortly to consider the question of the supervision of the character of posters, leaflets and other matter displayed to advertise particular films. If my hon. Friend will be good enough to send me any information in his possession I will bring it to the notice of the committee. A censorship of publications and literature (other than posters or leaflets) relating to cinematograph films would include the trade or technical Press, and I presume this goes beyond what my hon. Friend means to suggest.

Mr. LYONS

When that committee is appointed, will it in the public interest consider any representations that are made for local authorities who find such posters offensive?

Mr. STANLEY

My hon. Friend is under a misapprehension. The committee is already appointed and has had several meetings, and as it contains representatives of local authorities, no doubt it will take their views into consideration.

Viscountess ASTOR

Is there a woman on the committee? Will the committee study what is done in Russia where there is no sex appeal in films?

Mr. STANLEY

I think that the question of what Russia does will be rather too large a subject for this committee.